The World Beneath Our Feet

For the last several years, I’ve been creating intimate portraits of the insects and small creatures with which we unknowingly share our lives. It’s uncommon for us to ever see many of these creatures this closely as our eyes aren’t capable of such magnification. By enlarging these subjects on extremely large photographic prints, my images show these small creatures in a very different manner than how we usually envision them.

In order to achieve a sense of intimacy in these portraits, I often spend a few minutes to an hour around the tiny creatures to try and observe their behavior and personality. I always seek to find a unique identity in each creature I photograph in order to capture a visual representation of their soul.

The World Beneath Our Feet began in 2009, after I encountered a Spiny Orb-Weaver Spider for the first time. At that moment, I was amazed that such an animal existed. Initially, I wanted to capture an image of just its physical appearance as it was so unique. As I looked through the viewfinder of my camera for a closer look, I began to see more than just its physical appearance. I began to see personality in the craftsmanship of her web, and the innocence she possessed as she hid herself inside of her shell from the harsh wind that day.

Ever since that moment, I’ve discovered countless personalities I didn’t know these creatures were capable of expressing and beauty I never knew existed. The best part is, I don’t have to go across the world to experience this journey. These creatures live in a world beneath our feet.